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Timely cultivating of scientific insights through research: The future of medical education.

Journal of Medicine University of Santo Tomas.2025;9(S1):1-2.

Research plays a critical role in advancing medical practice and patient care, yet its integration into undergraduate medical education remains challenging. Early exposure to research enhances critical thinking and provides valuable experience in scientific inquiry, communication, and publication. However, medical students face barriers such as limited time, topic selection difficulties, and inadequate mentorship and funding. The establishment of the Department of Clinical Epidemiology at the University of Santo Tomas has strengthened student research capacity, culminating in this JMUST Special Issue, which showcases high-quality, ethics-approved student-led scholarly work.

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Translation using collaborative translation protocols and initial validation of the Filipino version of stroke specific quality of life scale for stroke survivors.

Angelica Marie V. MANDARIO ; Gerald Neil Sj. MANALO ; Marlo Eduardo M. MANALO ; Jann Marielle M. MANGALI ; Erwin T. MANIPOL ; Christine Beatrix Y. MANALO ; Maria Minerva P. CALIMAG ; Wennielyn F. FAJILAN ; Elenita C. MENDOZA ; John Dale V. TROGO ; Johnny K. LOKIN

Journal of Medicine University of Santo Tomas.2025;9(S1):3-15.

METHODOLOGY

A descriptive, cross-sectional design was utilized, involving the translation of the SS-QOL from English to Filipino through Collaborative Translation Protocols, which centered on group consensus. Three Filipino language experts rigorously evaluated the initial translation for linguistic and cultural appropriateness. To assess content and face validity, an expert committee of three neurology consultants provided ratings, which were analyzed using the item-level content validity index (i-CVI). Subsequently, a pilot testing phase was conducted with 10 stroke survivors recruited via purposeful sampling in Metro Manila to evaluate the SS-QOL-Filipino’s clarity, layout, understandability and answerability, while also measuring the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) to assess consistency and agreement among items

RESULTS

This study successfully developed a stroke-specific HRQOL tool for the Philippines, addressing a critical need for objective measures in patient-centered care. The use of Collaborative Translation Protocols ensured the questionnaire’s conceptual, linguistic and cultural equivalence, incorporating nuances specific to the Filipino context in areas like eating habits, emotional expressions and technological terms. The high face and content validity, coupled with strong consistency and high understandability observed during pilot testing underscore the SS-QOL-Filipino’s suitability for the target population, positioning it as a valuable instrument for both clinical practice and research.

CONCLUSION

The SS-QOL scale was successfully translated into Filipino using Collaborative Translation Protocols and rigorously validated. The SS-QOL-Filipino version demonstrates high content and face validity, strong consistency and excellent understandability and answerability, affirming its status as a reliable and appropriate outcome measure for assessing the QOL among stroke patients in Metro Manila.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged: 45-64 Yrs Old ; Aged: 65-79 Yrs Old ; Adult: 25-44 Yrs Old ; Life ; Quality Of Life ; Stroke ; Survivors

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Assessing the effectiveness of the hear WHO application in rapid screening of hearing loss among military personnel of the Philippine Air Force.

Charisse Genevieve S. MULLES ; Angelica Patricia P. MUÑ ; OZ ; Gaston Miguel B. MUTUC ; Alyssa Louise A. NAGUIT ; Alyza Jane H. NALAGON ; Kristine Kaye M. NANTIN ; Norberto V. MARTINEZ ; Eva Irene Y. MAGLONZO

Journal of Medicine University of Santo Tomas.2025;9(S1):16-24.

OBJECTIVES

This study evaluated the effectiveness of the hearWHO application in rapid screening of hearing loss among Philippine Air Force military personnel and verifies its results with Pure Tone Audiometry. It aimed to establish baseline data for future research on technological advancements in otolaryngology

METHODS

The study employed a cross-sectional design and recruited 44 volunteer subjects from the Philippine Air Force using inclusion criteria. Six participants withdrew due to an urgent mission, leaving 38 subjects who were screened using the hearWHO application and subsequently tested with Pure Tone Audiometry. A statistician analyzed the collected data.

RESULTS

A one-sample t-test revealed negative mean differences between hearWHO and Pure Tone Audiometry results indicating that they were not significant. Confounders such as testing room location, use of adapters and non-purposive sampling may have affected the results.

CONCLUSION

The results suggested that the hearWHO application was not effective in rapid screening of hearing loss among the military personnel of the Philippine Air Force.

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Effects of using audiovisual aids (anatomic and surgical videos) in reducing anxiety of patients who will undergo modified radical mastectomy (MRM).

Innah Ma. Therese C. RACADIO ; Minette M. RAMEL ; Ma. Rollene R. RAMOS ; Margaret Corinne U. RAMOS ; Ellen Angele L. RAPACON ; Raymund Gerard D. RAZON ; Bianca Sophia S. REGALA

Journal of Medicine University of Santo Tomas.2025;9(S1):25-33.

OBJECTIVES

Patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy (MRM) often experience significant preoperative anxiety. Effective preoperative education could alleviate anxiety and improve patient outcomes. This research aimed to evaluate whether audiovisual aids during preoperative education correlated with decreased anxiety levels among female MRM patients, and it also aimed to investigate if enhanced preoperative education could lead to reduced anxiety and improved postoperative outcomes.

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial was conducted comparing anxiety levels in MRM patients receiving audiovisual aids versus verbal instructions. Purposive sampling selected female breast cancer patients scheduled for MRM. Data was collected using pre- and post-intervention questionnaires, and statistical analysis was used to test hypotheses.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in pre-intervention anxiety levels between the control group (mean = 2.77 ± 0.32) and the experimental group (mean = 2.49 ± 0.27; t = 1.49, p = 0.176), indicating comparable baseline anxiety between groups. Following the intervention, the experimental group exhibited a significant reduction in anxiety (mean = 1.83 ± 0.20) compared to the control group (mean = 2.59 ± 0.16; t = 2.79, p = 0.046). Pearson correlation analysis revealed a moderate negative correlation between the use of audiovisual aids and preoperative anxiety levels (r = –0.643, p = 0.017), suggesting that audiovisual education was significantly associated with reduced preoperative anxiety among patients scheduled for MRM.

DISCUSSION

The study found that audiovisual aids significantly reduced anxiety levels in the experimental group but had no effect on the control group. This suggested that such interventions could be effective in reducing preoperative anxiety, particularly in females undergoing MRM. However, further research with larger and more diverse samples was needed to confirm these findings and explore influencing factors in clinical settings

CONCLUSION

The study findings suggested that incorporating audiovisual aids in preoperative education for MRM effectively reduced anxiety levels, warranting further research with larger and more diverse participant groups to validate these results

Human ; Female ; Adult: 25-44 Yrs Old ; Middle Aged: 45-64 Yrs Old ; Audiovisual Aids ; Breast Neoplasms ; Control Groups ; Neoplasms ; Mastectomy, Radical ; Mastectomy, Modified Radical ; Volition ; Female ; Breast ; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

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The prevalence of compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction among obstetrics and gynecology resident physicians in selected hospitals in Manila.

Gio Miguel D. MANIPULA ; Mila Zenie P. MARALIT ; Mitzi I. MARIANO ; Bianca Isabel D. MARTIN ; Marlon Oliver A. MARTIN ; Eva Irene YU&ndash ; MAGLONZO ; Ma. Therese B. MALLEN

Journal of Medicine University of Santo Tomas.2025;9(S1):34-43.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to determine the prevalence of CF and compassion satisfaction (CS) among OBGYN resident physicians in selected hospitals in Manila and identify the associated contributory factors

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 105 OBGYN residents using the Professional Quality of Life Scale Version 5 (ProQOL 5), which measures CS and CF—further divided into burnout (BO) and secondary traumatic stress (STS). Data were collected through an online survey and analyzed using Jamovi software. Descriptive statistics were reported as frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations and 95% confidence intervals. Associations between variables were determined using independent t-tests and Kruskal-Wallis tests, with a significance level set at p<0.05.

RESULTS

Most residents scored moderate levels in CS (68.6%), BO (72.4%) and STS (73.3%). Significant associations were found between all three subscales and most work-related factors such as hours of sleep per day, working hours per week and frequency of being called in during offduty hours. Marital status and parity were also significantly associated with higher BO and STS scores.

CONCLUSION

The study highlights the presence of CF among OBGYN residents with reported associations with work and personal factors. These findings emphasize the need for institutional interventions to support the well-being of resident physicians, especially in demanding clinical environments.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Adult: 25-44 Yrs Old ; Middle Aged: 45-64 Yrs Old ; Aged: 65-79 Yrs Old ; Empathy ; Gynecology ; Fatigue ; Hospitals ; Personal Satisfaction ; Physicians ; Prevalence ; Obstetrics ; Compassion Fatigue

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A cross sectional study on determining the perception of fourth year medical students towards their surgical training conducted through an enriched virtual mode-hybrid learning in a Philippine Medical School.

Kayne Irish P. HERNANDEZ ; Lianne Gabrielle R. HERNANDEZ ; Timothy Matthew S. HERNANDEZ ; Ma. Veronica M. HOLGANZA ; Joaquin R. IGNACIO ; Ida Marie M. TABANGAY-LIM ; Charles Abraham VILLAMIN ; Jan Michael LLEVA ; Angelica GUZMAN-HERNANDEZ ; Warren BACORRO

Journal of Medicine University of Santo Tomas.2025;9(S1):44-61.

Practice-based learning is the key objective of postgraduate education. COVID-19 has revealed that medical institutions may need to adopt adaptive strategies to guide their students. The aim of this study is to describe the perception of Philippine medical clerks towards their surgical preparedness with an Enriched Virtual Mode (EVM)-Hybrid Learning during the pandemic. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 176 fourth-year students using a 21-item 4-point-Likert questionnaire. Descriptive analysis showed that students sustained a strong enthusiasm for surgery (composite mean = 2.83 ± 0.62), with the highest ratings given to skill-oriented subjects, such as practical minors (3.05 ± 0.82) and clinical surgery (3.03 ± 0.78). Preparedness was similarly high (3.17 ± 0.46): practice was regarded as essential (3.50 ± 0.68) and operating-room exposure useful (3.22 ± 0.68), though time for hands-on practice was adequate (2.84 ± 0.74). Preference scores revealed a desire for richer tactile experience (3.36 ± 0.37), with scrubbing, suturing and live surgery observation receiving most support (>3.50). Overall satisfaction reached a moderate-to-high level (2.99 ± 0.48) but lagged behind interest and preparedness, indicating that limited physical immersion tempered fuller contentment. These suggest that while a blended curriculum can preserve enthusiasm and sense of readiness, emphasis on protected skills laboratories and increased exposure to the operating room may be needed to translate conceptual competence into experiential fulfillment.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Young Adult: 19-24 Yrs Old ; Cross-sectional Studies ; Education ; Curriculum ; Perception ; Observation ; Schools, Medical ; Personal Satisfaction ; Learning ; Mental Competency ; Laboratories ; Pandemics

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The perception of adults in Manila about the accessibility, availability and affordability of private and public healthcare services for neurological emergencies.

Aedrielyn PICHAY ; Alessandra Beatrice PEÑ ; A ; Jeanina Lhainey PISUEÑ ; A ; Sabrina PEÑ ; A ; Emy Eloisa PIANO ; Nilo DELOS SANTOS

Journal of Medicine University of Santo Tomas.2025;9(S1):62-74.

METHODOLOGY

A survey was conducted among 463 adults in Manila, achieving a valid response rate of 92.3% (427 responses analyzed). Participants represented diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. The survey explored perceptions regarding AAA of healthcare services for neurological emergencies.

RESULTS

Across income levels (poor, middle, rich), participants favored private hospitals for accessibility and convenience, such as emergency room access and prompt care. Private hospitals were also preferred for availability of diagnostic equipment, medications, specialist expertise and 24/7 care. Public hospitals, however, were preferred for affordability, particularly for emergency visits, medications, tests, neurologist consultations and ambulance services.

DISCUSSION

Findings reveal a clear preference split: private hospitals are valued for accessibility and resources, while public hospitals remain the affordable choice. This reflects ongoing systemic and socioeconomic challenges in Manila’s healthcare landscape.

CONCLUSION

The study provides actionable insights for policymakers and healthcare providers seeking to improve emergency neurological care. Addressing gaps in access and affordability can enhance patient outcomes and satisfaction while promoting more equitable healthcare delivery.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Adolescent: 13-18 Yrs Old ; Young Adult: 19-24 Yrs Old ; Adult: 25-44 Yrs Old ; Middle Aged: 45-64 Yrs Old ; Adult ; Emergencies ; Perception

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Association between vaccination status and the incidence of breakthrough COVID-19 infections among University of Santo Tomas – Faculty of Medicine and Surgery students: A case-control study.

Ryan Irvin M. ABUSTAN ; Joaquin V. ABUNDANCIA ; Vincent Rhey L. ACCAD ; Kimberly Mae H. ADVINCULA ; Jillian Elize F. AFABLE ; Vanessa Joy A. AGRAVIADOR ; Ida Marie TABANGAY-LIM

Journal of Medicine University of Santo Tomas.2025;9(S1):75-83.

INTRODUCTION

With the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines, schools around the world have slowly started to reimplement on-site classes with guidelines to prevent outbreaks. The University of Santo Tomas has devised their own set of guidelines, including safety protocols, vaccinations and daily health declarations. These were monitored using the
Thomasian Online Medical Services and Support (ThOMedSS).

METHODOLOGY

Through a case-control study design, the study aims to determine an association between the vaccination status of UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery (UST-FMS) students and breakthrough COVID-19 infections in the first semester of the academic year 2022-2023, with population data acquired via records of students participating in face-to-face classes from the UST Health Service Office, and categorized based on breakthrough infections and vaccination status.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Results were analyzed using Pearson’s chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test (pCONCLUSION

The study suggests that vaccination status did not have a statistically significant association (p = 0.3451) with breakthrough infections. The majority (99.94%) of students have received the complete primary COVID-19 vaccination series and only 6.61% of this population developed breakthrough COVID-19 infections, all occurring in those completely vaccinated. Breakthrough infections were 1.76 times more likely for those with booster shots than those without. The possible reason for this is the emergence of the Omicron variant. To improve the study, external exposures and individual behaviors must be considered as potential factors influencing infection rates.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Child: 6-12 Yrs Old ; Adolescent: 13-18 Yrs Old ; Young Adult: 19-24 Yrs Old ; Association ; Case-control Studies ; Covid-19 ; General Surgery ; Faculty ; Incidence ; Infections ; Medicine ; Universities ; Vaccination

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Lasting experiences of COVID-19 isolation in Filipino adults: An interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Sean Sander Y. EMBAY ; Neil Gabriel T. ELAMPARO ; Ma. Brisbane D. ESCALADA ; Criselle Angeline C. PEÑ ; AMANTE ; Eva Irene Y. MAGLONZO ; Portia Menelia D. MONREAL

Journal of Medicine University of Santo Tomas.2025;9(S1):84-94.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the lasting lived experiences of Filipino adults who were isolated due to COVID-19 as late adolescents and examine how these experiences shaped their health consciousness

METHODS

This qualitative study employed an interpretative phenomenological analysis using Colaizzi’s method. Six participants aged 18 and above, who were aged 17–19 during their COVID-19 diagnosis and isolation, were recruited. One-onone semi-structured interviews were conducted and thematically analyzed.

RESULTS

Four main themes emerged: (1) Sources of Stress including academic disruptions, isolation, symptoms and healthcare inefficiencies; (2) Attitudes Toward the Experience ranging from fear to calm acceptance and social responsibility; (3) Coping Strategies such as external support and personal mechanisms like spirituality and hobbies; and (4) Impact of COVID-19 which encompassed interpersonal growth, normalization of illness and varying degrees of health behavior change.

CONCLUSION

While the experience of isolation during adolescence posed significant stress, it also offered opportunities for personal and interpersonal growth. Most participants exhibited increased health consciousness, though behavior change was limited. These insights highlight the value of integrating health behavior interventions for young adults shaped by pandemic experiences.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Adolescent: 13-18 Yrs Old ; Adolescent ; Consciousness ; Behavior ; Covid-19 ; Methods ; Social Responsibility ; World Health Organization ; Young Adult ; Health ; Diagnosis ; Health Behavior

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Psychosocial profile of 12- to 17-year-old students at a private high school in Manila: Study protocol.

Alyssa Royce TERO ; Moira Nina Fe TIANGCO ; Arabelle Mae TIU ; Jan Claire TOBIAS ; Jan Claire TOLENTINO ; Maria Elizabeth MERCADO ; Kathryn BALTAZAR-BRAGANZA

Journal of Medicine University of Santo Tomas.2025;9(S1):95-99.

METHODOLOGY

This is an ethically reviewed and approved protocol for a cross-sectional descriptive design to estimate the prevalence of psychosocial effects of post-COVID-19 lockdowns on children aged 12 to 17, utilizing the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Participants are adolescents enrolled in Junior High School, Education High School, or Senior High School at a private institution in Manila. Individuals already diagnosed with cognitive impairments or psychological disturbances were excluded.

INTENTION FOR PUBLICATION

We are publishing the copy of our ethically approved proposal to increase transparency of our study. We believe that investigating the psychosocial development of adolescents to explain the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic is a unique approach to understanding its effects on their mental health. We hope that by making our protocol available, other investigators may be able to replicate our study in other subgroups of this population (ie, public schools, street children, home-schooled kids, etc.). It is our hope that if the study is replicated enough, we can have sufficient data to do a meta-analysis and get more accurate estimate of the effects.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Adolescent: 13-18 Yrs Old ; Schools ; Students

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